Montague Cable Lace Socks

Montague Cable Lace Socks by Linda Lehman

What is Being Made

The Montague Cable Lace Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Linda Lehman, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. These socks feature an elegant combination of cable and lace stitching techniques, making them both visually interesting and engaging to construct. The design includes a distinctive cluster stitch element that adds a unique textural detail to the finished garment, elevating these socks beyond basic everyday wear into wearable art.

Skill Level and Techniques

This pattern is rated at an intermediate difficulty level and assumes knitters have foundational knowledge of basic knitting and purling techniques, as well as experience with cable stitching. The pattern incorporates cable techniques, which involve crossing groups of stitches over one another to create twisted, rope-like textures. Additionally, lace stitching is used throughout the design, which typically involves yarn overs and decreases to create open, decorative patterns. The cluster stitch featured in one round provides a unique focal point and adds dimensional interest to the sock construction.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches including:

• Knit stitch (k) – the basic foundation stitch
• Purl stitch (p) – creates texture variation
• Slip stitch (Sl1) – used for joining and shaping
• Cable stitches – created using a cable needle to cross stitches for dimensional texture
• Lace stitches – typically incorporating yarn overs and decreases
• Cluster stitch – a specialty stitch that appears once in the pattern for unique detail
• Kitchener Stitch – used for seamless grafting at the toe closure

Materials and Tools Required

The Montague Cable Lace Socks are knitted using 4-ply fingering weight yarn, with yardage requirements ranging from 390 to 450 yards depending on the desired sock size. The pattern is available in multiple sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large), each requiring slightly different needle gauges to achieve proper fit.

Essential tools and materials include:

• Two circular needles in size 2.50mm for size Medium (with size 2.25mm for Small, and sizes 2.75mm or 3.00mm for Medium-Large or Large)
• One optional 12-inch needle in size 2.50mm (US #1 or #2) for adjusting gauge as needed
• Cable needle – essential for executing cable stitches
• Stitch markers – for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Tapestry needle – required for the Kitchener Stitch grafting technique at sock completion

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is critical for sock fit. The pattern specifies different stitch gauges for each size: 9 stitches per inch for Small, 7 stitches per inch for Medium through Large, and 6.5 stitches per inch for Large through Extra Large, all measured over stockinette stitch. The gauge of 8 stitches per inch using stockinette stitch corresponds to size Medium. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their needle size produces the correct gauge for their desired finished size.